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trilateral

trilateral

5 7.4
Having three sides or involving three countries
  • adjective
  • /traɪˈlætərəl/
translation icon : trilateral
  • Trilateral cooperation through the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group will contribute to improved inter-Korean relations.
  • trilateral agreement
  • trilateral cooperation
  • trilateral relationship

I think he was talking about trilateral China, Russia, US sort of plan to, you know, lower them.

Examples

  • The conference focused on trilateral relations between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

  • The current situation in trilateral relations is not productive.

    Academic text (2002)
  • One possible complexity is the trilateral discussions on a free trade area between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The rulemaking in this instance had its origins in a trilateral context.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Third, Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo must maintain solid trilateral cooperation in dealing with North Korea.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The leaders of the three countries met to discuss their trilateral agreement on trade.

  • Creating a trilateral partnership can enhance cooperation among involved nations.

Synonyms

three-way
vstrilateral
24 3.9

Involving three people, groups or parts

can also mean a simple geometric shape with three edges, not only relations
triangular
vstrilateral
23 2.7

A shape with three straight sides and three angles

also covers situations with three parties or groups as well as shape
tripartite
vstrilateral
  • Formal
3 7.9

Involving three groups working together

is also used for shapes with three edges and relations among three parties
three-sided
vstrilateral
1 1.5

Having three sides

also applies to cases with three parties or groups not just shape
three-party
vstrilateral
1 4.9

Involving three different people or groups who take part

also applies to shapes with three edges and general threefold situations
three-cornered
vstrilateral
5.0

Involving three people or groups

can also describe simple shapes with three edges rather than only groups
tricornered
vstrilateral
7.3

Involving three people or groups in a disagreement

is broader, covering shapes and neutral relations among three entities
trinational
vstrilateral
6.8

Involving three countries that work together

is more general, covering three sides or groups not limited to countries

How Many Parties

multilateral
  • Formal
27 6.3
trilateral
5 7.4
bilateral
54 6.0
unilateral
45 7.2

Surface Forms

trilateral positive
trilateraler comparative
trilateralist superlative

Morphology

trilateral = lateral (transparent) = tri + lateral

Meaning is directly built from 'tri' (three) + 'lateral' (relating to sides), giving 'three-sided' or 'involving three parties'.

Etymology

Trilateral comes from the parts tri- meaning 'three' and lateral meaning 'side'. So, when something is trilateral, it has 'three sides' or involves three parties, groups, or countries.